An Interview with Our New RDU Chair

By Recinda Sherman, PhD, MPH, ODS-C | December 29, 2025

An Interview with our new Research and Date Use Committee Chair It was so much fun interviewing the RDU Co-Chairs last December that I decided to interview our newest Co-Chair, Angela Eckstrand, this December Angela replaced Jeff Dowden (our resident rock star) from the Newfoundland Cancer Registry when his tenure ended. Yes, this means both…

Writing Edits – An Approach for a New Central Registry Edit Writer

By Elaine Collins | December 22, 2025

Introduction Data relationships, electronic formatting, logical viewpoint – all come together in edits to support the collection of useful cancer information. The edits in the standard metafile realize standards that apply to data collected at the national level, but the same edit tools and processes are available to central registries to manage additional local data…

Sharing NAACCR Pediatric Cancer Initiatives on Dr. Rick Greene’s Cancer Registry World Podcast

By Fernanda Michels | December 15, 2025

I am excited to share that I was recently interviewed by Dr. Rick Greene for his Cancer Registry World podcast. It was a great opportunity to share my path into cancer surveillance and to highlight the pediatric work we are advancing through NAACCR. In the episode, I discussed several initiatives within the National Childhood Cancer…

Exmploring New Approaches to Data Collection: Modular Records Task Force Final Report

By Ashley Knealing | July 20, 2026

The Modular Records Task Force was initiated in August 2025 to support the NAACCR Board’s Strategic Plan on the strategic initiative for Innovative Approaches to Data Collection (Minimal Datasets and Partial Records): Improving timeliness through innovative approaches to data collection. The purpose of the task force was to define a new “modular” approach to cancer…

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Angela Martin | July 13, 2026

NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review The Fall 2026 Session of the NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review webinar series is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026. Registration for the series will start July 22, 2026. The series is $260 per participant. For more information go to https://education.naaccr.org/CTR. Contact Angela Martin, if you…

Artificial Intelligence Resources for Central Registries

By Ashley Knealing | June 8, 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the cancer data field, expanding rapidly and transforming how data collection is both managed and utilized. With the fast pace of technological advancements, it can be challenging to determine where to begin when exploring or implementing available AI tools related to cancer surveillance. To support this need,…

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Looking in from the Outside – a Retiree’s View

By David O'Brien | June 1, 2026

It has been three years now since I retired as the data analyst of the Alaska Cancer Registry in Anchorage.…

By Fernanda Michels | May 25, 2026

New Report Released: Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | May 18, 2026

Launch of Automated Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) Methodology for VPR Studies

By Angela Martin | May 4, 2026

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Fernanda Michels | April 27, 2026

National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR) Spring Feature

By Stephanie M. Hill, MPH, CTR, NAACCR | April 13, 2026

Looking to the Future: Changes Approved for 2027 NAACCR Data Standards

OUR MISSION

Actionable content that unites cancer registries.

The Narrative strives to provide you with information you can use to enhance and strengthen your cancer registry. Look to the Narrative for the latest cancer surveillance news, trends, advances in technology, and latest educational opportunities.

OUR VISION

Make every cancer count.

Cancer affects thousands of people across North America every year. Each cancer case must contribute to our knowledge and understanding so that we may reduce the burden of these diseases. Narrative provides a platform for the cancer surveillance community to collaborate and share data that will improve health outcomes.

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Artificial Intelligence Resources for Central Registries

By Ashley Knealing | June 8, 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the cancer data field, expanding rapidly and transforming how data collection is…

By Fernanda Michels | May 25, 2026

New Report Released: Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I

By Stephanie M. Hill, MPH, CTR, NAACCR | April 13, 2026

Looking to the Future: Changes Approved for 2027 NAACCR Data Standards

By Ashley Knealing | April 6, 2026

NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

By Angela Martin | March 23, 2026

How NAACCR’s Professional Development Steering Committee Advances Training, Mentorship, and Workforce Growth

By Fernanda Michels | February 23, 2026

CONCORD*Explorer is now available! Access and Download Global Childhood Cancer Survival Estimates

CANCER REGISTRY SPOTLIGHT: MICHIGAN

Successful Linkage Between Registry Database and LexisNexis

In our ongoing commitment to enhance the quality and accessibility of data, we are thrilled to announce the successful linkage between our registry database and LexisNexis. This integration represents a significant step forward in streamlining our data processes and expanding our analytical capabilities.

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Exmploring New Approaches to Data Collection: Modular Records Task Force Final Report

By Ashley Knealing | July 20, 2026

The Modular Records Task Force was initiated in August 2025 to support the NAACCR Board’s Strategic Plan on the strategic…

By Ashley Knealing | June 8, 2026

Artificial Intelligence Resources for Central Registries

By David O'Brien | June 1, 2026

Looking in from the Outside – a Retiree’s View

By Ashley Knealing | April 6, 2026

NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

By Lucinda Ham, RHIA, ODS-C | March 17, 2026

2026 NAACCR Board of Directors Election Results

By Keisha Musonda, MPH | March 16, 2026

TCR data inform the Texas Cancer Plan